Register for 2013 Brooksie Way before April 1 for early-bird discounts

Oakland University is once again ramping up efforts to support The Brooksie Way, including strong encouragement of health-minded faculty, staff, students and alumni to get involved.

This year's race, set for Sunday, Sept. 29, will welcome both runners and walkers for a half marathon, a 5K and, new this year, a 10K event. Participants will start on university grounds and follow a scenic route that winds through local parks, and biking and hiking trails along minor waterways in Rochester and Rochester Hills.

Registration for the event is now open, and interested members of the OU community can benefit from a number of participation cost incentives.

First, those registering before Monday, April 1, will receive the deepest early-bird registration discounts available. Costs will increase after Monday, April 1, and again after Tuesday, July 16.

Also, as a result of the partnership between the university and Brooksie Way planners, Oakland University employees, students and alumni are eligible for $5 discounts on race fees.

Finally, as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to employee wellness, the Office of the President is providing employees an additional $20 discount on any race registration fee or on the cost of the Brooksie Way training program.

The 16-week training program, designed specifically for this event, begins in May. Registration fees include entry to the Brooksie Way half marathon, 5K or 10K event, as well as entry into several other area races this year. Other benefits include a Brooksie Way training T-shirt, training accessories and discounts for running and walking gear.

Complementing the race event, the Brooksie Way Fitness Expo will be held in the Recreation Center on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28. Admission is free and open to the entire university community. Also, on race day, members of the campus community are invited to stop by the OU tent before and or after the event for food, beverages and networking.

To learn more about the Brooksie Way races and training program, visit thebrooksieway.com.

Oakland employees interested in saving a total of $25 on any Brooksie Way event should register online and use OU2013EM for the discount code in the checkout process. Those interested in saving $20 in the training program should register online and use OAKST for the discount code.

Students interested in saving $5 on any race should register online and use OU2013st for the discount code. Alumni should register using OU2013Al for the discount code.